Student Visa & Residence Permit
Everything you need to know about obtaining a student visa for Turkey and applying for a residence permit after arrival.
Student Visa Application
International students planning to study in Turkey must obtain a student visa (Type D) from the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in their home country before arrival. The student visa is different from a tourist visa and is specifically designed for those enrolled in Turkish educational institutions.
The visa application process requires an official acceptance letter from a Turkish university. Once you have your acceptance letter and have paid the required deposit, you can schedule an appointment at your local Turkish mission to submit your visa application.
Required Documents
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
Official acceptance letter from the university
Completed visa application form (available online)
Biometric passport photos (recent, white background)
Bank statement showing sufficient funds
Valid health insurance coverage
Proof of accommodation in Turkey
Application Steps
Get Accepted
Receive your official acceptance letter from a Turkish university and pay the required deposit.
Book Appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents including translations and notarizations.
Submit Application
Attend your appointment and submit all documents. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Residence Permit
After arriving in Turkey, students must apply for a residence permit (ikamet) within 90 days of entry. This permit allows you to legally stay in Turkey for the duration of your studies and must be renewed annually.
The residence permit application is made through the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. You will need to complete your university registration first and obtain a student certificate before applying. Liva Education provides comprehensive support throughout this process.
Important Deadline
You must apply for your residence permit within 90 days of entering Turkey. Failure to do so will result in overstaying your visa, which can lead to fines and complications with future travel.
Important Information
- Visa requirements and processing times may vary by country. Always check with your local Turkish mission for the most current information.
- Keep copies of all submitted documents. You may need them for your residence permit application.
- Liva Education provides free consultancy for visa and residence permit applications to all our students.
Need Visa Assistance?
Our experienced team has helped thousands of students navigate the visa process successfully.
